Lenny Pickett - The Prescription (2014)

Tracklist
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01. Busted Again (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
02. Alex Foster (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
03. XV (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
04. The Prescription (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
05. Kathy (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
06. The Big Wiggle (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
07. A Sad State of Affairs (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
08. Umo (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
09. XVII (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)
10. What Is Hip? (feat. UMO Jazz Orchestra)


Saxophonist LENNY PICKETT is revered by legions of musicians. Millions more recognize his distinctive tenor voice, thanks to his longtime tenure as the bandleader on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Countless funksters know him from his stint with Tower of Power. His horn has graced the music of David Bowie, Katy Perry, Rod Stewart, Little Feat and a host of others, yet he has only released two albums under his own name. The last one was in 1987. THE PRESCRIPTION cures LPs long absence from the recording scene as a leader. Recorded live in the studio in Helsinki, Finland with one of Europes finest Big Bands, the UMO Jazz Orchestra, Lenny scorches the musical landscape like never before. One of the most recognizable and unique saxophone voices ever, Lennys unparalleled mastery of the altissimo register is remarkable. Soulful, funky, yearning and burning, The Prescription is just what the doctor ordered. Its music will make you listen, groove and feel LPs intense arrangements and compositions. From the opening blues of Busted Again, with Lenny soaring as only he can, to the funky title tune, a nod to SNL alum Dr. Luke, now a successful (and sometimes controversial) pop producer, to Picketts sweet ballad named for his bride Kathy, LP and UMO take traditional forms to ecstatic new altitudes. Modern, but always rooted with blues and soul, the music is simultaneously familiar and adventuresome. Lennys virtuosity shines, amply abetted by the verve and execution of the talented Finnish ensemble. The cooking swinger The Big Wiggle is closest to a classic big band chart, with Lenny and alto saxophonist Jouni Jarvela tearing it up. Fans of the SNL Band or the Mingus Big Band will recognize the name Alex Foster, the leaders homage to his fellow saxophonist. The Roman numeral tunes (XV and XVII) are replete with challenging time signatures and complex harmonies. A Sad State Of Affairs has LP rocking an Eb Clarinet, a seldom-heard horn, but hes back on his more familiar tenor for his tone-poem of Finland, UMO. The Prescription will heal the mind, heart and soul.

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